Week 1 of the NFL preseason produced an impressive spark for Colorado Buffaloes alums, led by Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland. Sanders connected for two touchdowns on 14 of 23 attempts, signaling a poised early NFL transition with accuracy, pocket feel, and arm strength that fantasy managers watch closely. LaJohntay Wester electrified Baltimore with an 82-yard punt return touchdown and a 41-yard receiving night, underscoring his ceiling as a playmaker for a wide-receiver-needy Ravens squad. Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. also saw meaningful time, flashing versatility and potential in new uniforms. Xavier Weaver added a red-zone highlight for Arizona, while Will Sheppard popped as a primary target in Green Bay’s opener with two catches. Shilo Sanders and BJ Green II contributed on defense and pass rush for their Jacksonville cohorts, rounding out a banner debut weekend for Buffs who could shape dynasty and best-ball rosters as the season unfolds.

Beyond the headline performances, Week 1 offered a broader view: Buffs in new schemes and crowded depth charts showed flashes that could translate to expanded roles as rosters trim and offenses settle in. The Browns leaned into Sanders’ accuracy and timing, the Ravens leaned on Wester’s speed in space, and the Jaguars leaned into Hunter’s two-way possibilities, even as the media pounced on the smaller sample sizes. Panthers and Cardinals investments in Horn Jr. and Weaver hinted at explosive potential in 2025, while the Packers and Titans mirrored the depth-building trend across the league. For fantasy managers, it’s about spotting the right week-to-week opportunities as these players integrate into NFL offenses.